PBCBA Reading and Robes
Students at Starlight Cove Elementary School in Lantana participate virtually in our Reading and Robes program .
Pictured Left-Right : Judge Bradley Harper ; Judge Paige Gillman ; Judge Samantha Feuer ; and attorneys Kate Harris and Andrew Kwan . Not pictured : Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente ( retired ); Bridget Berry and Brad Avakian .
Palm Beach County Bar members inspired students with books signed by United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor . The Judicial Relations Committee , together with our Lawyers for Literacy and Law Related Education Committees , recently read to students at Starlight Cove Elementary School through the Reading and Robes program , which is a community outreach initiative lead by The National Judicial College .
The judges and attorneys read Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor ’ s autobiographical book called Turning Pages : My Life Story . The group discussed with the students the book as well as answered questions the students had about law , jury trials , the legal justice system and careers in the law .
“ By reading to the students in our robes , the students are able to connect with judges from diverse backgrounds on a personal level and have the opportunity to learn about the justice system , the jury trial system and the importance of jury service ,” said Judge Feuer . “ Our first event at Starlight Cove Elementary was a great success . Due to COVID-19 , our members appeared virtually . Each student received an autographed copy of Justice Sotomayor ’ s book to encourage the students to build their own libraries at home ,” said Kate Woods Harris , Esq .
" When I heard about this event I immediately asked to participate . And why ? Because I know as judges we can serve as role models for our children by showing not only what judges do but also our humanity . And of course , the book by Justice Sonia Sotomayor , which detailed her early struggles that she had to overcome , is an inspiration for all of us-and in particular those students who can relate to role models such as Justice Sotomayor ,” said ( retired ) Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente .
Purchase of the autographed books were made possible by PBCBA members . To continue the Reading and Robes program , please consider making a donation to the PBCBA , c / o Reading and Robes , P . O . Box 17726 , West Palm Beach , FL 33416 .
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 12